Monday, December 6, 2010

How we remember to take care of ourselves, then forget for awhile, then get a wake up call, and get back to doing what we know we need to do for optimum health and happiness. Take my core stabilization exercises, for example.

My goal: to do them every day. My reality: not even close! A snow holiday and a Thanksgiving weekend and come Monday morning I notice it's been a week since I last did them! So what do I do? I may gnash my teeth, scold myself, despair at my inconsistency, or -- miracle of miracles -- just take the ten minutes and DO them. Because after a week, I'm not feeling as perky and lively as I like to feel, and that's enough to remember and to take action.

Dr. Donald Epstein (founder of Network Chiropractic) talks about learning to listen to subtler cues, from our environment and from within our bodies. When we do that, we generally can minimize unnecessary suffering! We don't need the whack of a two-by-four to get our attention! We can respond to a gentle nudge, and be grateful for the nudge.

This event registration does everything except book the time of your chiropractic, massage, craniosacral, tuning fork facial, and TaKeTiNa class. We will book your spa services in advance or you can drop in for "Ala Carte" services.

Preview the Gift Certificate Collection to donate online or in the Silent Auction.

Click on Get More Information to preview the healing spa services. When you go to Register Now you can select your choices for your custom Ultimate Spa Day.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Watch this clip, from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, then check your labels. Unless it says toxin-free, it's probably not! I recommend XanGo's Glimpse and Juno line of personal care products because they are not only toxin-free, but they are formulated to provide healing nutrition to the largest organ in your body, your skin, for increased luminosity, elasticity, and firmness. And XanGo is the first company to be accepted by the NPA (Natural Products Associaiton) and has signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Most of our practice members want to share their healing success with friends and loved ones, but aren't quite sure how to spread the word, so twice a year we offer complementary Network entrainments. The next one is coming soon, with light refreshments for all...

Loss of bone density can begin at a surprisingly young age, especially among thin, fair women who have avoided exposure to the sun. People like actress Gwyneth Paltrow, whose story was recently in the news, where it was reported that she has already been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Her doctor was quoted as saying that she had the lowest levels of Vitamin D he had ever seen.

As part of our festivities on August 28 (8 am - 1 pm), Body Fat Test is also offering a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Screening, which will evaluate your risk of fracture from thinning bones. Then find out about natural methods of maintaining and/or improving your bone density.

Sign up for either the BMD or the Hydrostatic testing (or both, for a discount) by calling 206-658-7658.

What's seen on "The Biggest Loser" and used by NASA, the NFL, NCAA, and the MLB?

Among Americans, the percentage of weight from fat has been steadily increasing. How do you know if you're in the healthy range? As Covert Bailey pointed out years ago in his book, Fit or Fat, you can't tell by looking. The gold standard for testing is hydrostatic body composition testing. Ki Chiropractic and Massage is happy to sponsor Jason Whitney of Body Fat Test and his mobile body fat testing clinic.

In less than 10 minutes you can find out what where you stand, and then get motivated to improve your fitness!

When is the big event? Saturday, August 28, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. You must reserve your spot in advance so call 206-658-7658 today!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

The past several weeks have been a whirlwind of reworking our care plans for insurance- and no insurance-based relief and restoration care, as well as for wellness care. All are designed to make sure that the care you need is available at an affordable price.

Some of the wellness plans ("Chiro Club") now include laser therapy, at no additional fee, and all the plans include more services for less. Give us a call to learn more.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Everybody knows that life in the 21st century is full of stresses. Bills, traffic, and deadlines are just the tip of the iceberg. Unfortunately, we are not genetically programmed to deal with chronic stress, and eventually it leads to a break down of every tissue of our bodies, except for one (belly fat).

Neurons lose their connections, bones lose their density, muscles lose mass, and ligaments and tendons become weak. I see this in my practice as people who keep getting injured. They try to get started on a fitness program, but before long they are side-lined with a new, or recurring, injury.

Without getting too technical, the chemical mediators of this problem are an increase in the stress hormone cortisol and a decrease in testosterone. This reversal of normal, healthy levels starts around age 30. (This is true for both men and women, but since women make only about 10% as much testosterone as men, the loss is even more significant.) This imbalance is called Metabolic Syndrome, and is associated with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, anxiety, etc.

The good news is that a recent placebo-controlled, double-blind study of XanGo Juice and Eleviv showed the restoration of metabolic balance to more youthful levels of cortisol and testosterone, with an associated elevation in mood and vigor.

You can test your personal vigor at DrConnieAmundson.com. To find out how you can raise your Vigor score by restoring your metabolic balance, read more at the web site or contact me directly for a free phone consultation.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

It's easy to use, and takes just a few minutes to register. What is it? It's my new online booking site: DrConnieAmundson.clickbook.net. Once you register, you will be able to book appointments, reschedule, and cancel from the convenience of your computer or smart phone.

Just one tip for people already receiving care: you will select times by choosing from Network TableOne, Network TableTwo, or Network TableThree (this will make sense once you get to that point in the process).

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

At our recent open house, visitors received a complimentary sampling of Network Chiropractic, shiatsu, and cold laser therapy. One of our guests had this to say about the results of her care that day:

I just wanted to let you know, I returned home after the treatment/massage and was able to completely touch my hands behind my back reaching one arm over, one arm under on both sides (I had not been able to do that with left arm "under" since my injury 10 mos. ago) with fingers completely overlapping. This was a greater reach/stretch than what I could even do before the injury. I was not expecting that and was shocked.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Hours remain the same at our home practice, the AikiChiro Movement Lab (see sidebar).

I am now also treating patients on Wednesday afternoons at Fox Chiropractic, a full-insurance clinic in Wedgwood. We accept all major insurance plans, plus Medicare and Labor and Industries (workers compensation) claims. This location is ideal for seniors, injured workers, and those with group insurance whose co-payments are less than $25; or those who are mostly interested in care oriented toward relief of symptoms, rather than longer-term corrective and wellness care.

I am expanding my services and hours at the Integrated Wellness Center on Bainbridge Island. In addition to the highly popular low level laser therapy, I am now also offering Network Care and complementary hands-on healing methods.

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27 years of serving the chiropractic health and wellness needs of Seattle-area residents

Location, Office Hours, Contact

Location

12000 15th Ave NE Ste C

Seattle WA 98125

Office Hours

Chiropractic & Laser

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8 am-3 pm

Fridays: 8 am-2 pm

Saturdays: 8 am-12 pm

Massage

Mondays & Wednesdays: 11:30 am-6 pm

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12:00-5 pm

1st & 3rd Saturdays: 1:30-4:30 pm

Shiatsu

Mondays & Fridays: 1-5 pm

Wednesdays: 1-3 pm

Saturdays: 2-5 pm

Scheduling Contact

206-409-9447

Followers

Testimonials

A word or two from happy clients.

Thank you so very much for your help with my back yesterday. Today the part of my back you worked on has no pain at all. Magic.--M.R., Seattle

This is to let you know that on Friday, as I started to walk Jack, our dog, I was trying to assess my level of pain. I thought it was a bit less and that the quality of it had changed. I was so preoccupied with this that I was 1/4 way through the walk when I realized my facial muscles were relaxed--I was not gritting my teeth nor grimacing with every step. I realized I could smile easily. Also, I was not swinging my leg to the side in a stiff-legged limp. Although I had a mild limp, it was nothing like it had been before your treatment. I made the entire walk, whereas the day before I did about 3/4 before quitting due to the pain. I'm celebrating the greatly increased range of motion! Yay!

(The next day) The miracle continues: today I was able to alternate legs walking up stairs. This hasn't happened for weeks. And I was able, not only to make dinner, but also to wash most of dishes afterward. This hasn't happened for several days. I have been too tired, and it has been too painful to stand upright for that long after dinner.--S.C., Seattle

Dr. Connie's work is eminently practical--it lets me be more in tune with myself and therefore more attuned to the needs of my clients. --J.H., Seattle

When I first started seeing Dr. Connie I would get neck aches that would last for a few days at times. Through her care, I get fewer aches, and when I do, I normally just have to go home and stretch and they go away! --G.P, Seattle

I want to thank you for your incredible kindness-love-support and wisdom... You have helped me to begin to believe in my body--a feat that I know will be an ongoing process. Honestly, I was in a bad mind set when we met, but the true sadness, the depth of my despair, was so paralyzing I could barely believe or think of a tomorrow. Thank you feels like such a trivial word for what you have given me: a seed of life. I will always extend my thanks, gratitude and deep respect. --C.T.S., Los Angeles

Thank you for the care and the adjustment that you gave me yesterday. It was wonderful, quick and surprisingly powerful. I say POWERFUL because after meandering my way home I made a couple of phone calls and then "merged with my mattress" for at least two hours. The change in the feeling of my energy was profound--going from feeling that it was trying to fully accelerate but was running extremely rough and erratically to a place where it was very finely tuned and running with ease, even to the singing cells. The adjustment went to a very deep place, and I know that I am still processing today. --A.H., Port Angeles

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I feel a general sense of control with my body because I am more in touch with what it needs when I experience stress.

Clara Berridge

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Dr. Amundson's work has been of immense help to me for many years. I am grateful for her sensitivity and awareness as well as for her expert knowledge and skill. My weekly visits to her office are an essential contribution to my health.

D. Thome, Ph.D.

University Professor (retired)

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Dr. Connie is a true healer! You can feel healing energy emanate from her wonderful hands in every touch. She also listens deeply and that makes communicating with her so wonderful. Dr. Connie always makes me feel safe and cared for. Currently, I see her once a week for health maintenance, but she is also invaluable in a healing crisis, whether that be from a car accident, to help recover from other types of illnesses or simply throwing your back out due to too much gardening! She is so well versed and I love how Dr. Connie uses a plethora of healing modalities, customizing care just for me. She has my complete trust!

Dr. Amundson has a knowledge of human physiology that I've yet to see matched. While her Network Care is well-nigh miraculous, I find her advice about everything from ergonomics to nutrition to be equally invaluable. One could not ask for a better or more complete package in a chiropractor. My lower back has never felt so good!

Jonathan Silliman

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Connie has really helped with the neck pain I was experiencing and also increased the flexibility of my spine. Her breadth of technique that complements the basic Network Care approach has been very effective for me. I would recommend her highly (I have been to 9 or 10 other Network chiropractors since giving up on conventional chiropractic practitioners).

Richard Norris

VP of Finance and Administration

Antioch University

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I have known Connie Amundson for over 30 years and have watched her grow as a healer and a person. We met when we were both studying the Alexander Technique with Marj Barstow in Lincoln, Nebraska. We connected again when she moved to Seattle in 1977. We worked and played together in theatre and in Aikido, but her interest in health and well-being eventually led her to a career in the healing arts, with chiropractic as her basis.

Connie has been my chiropractor for nearly 25 years. What I appreciate most about her work is her openness and willingness to learn new approaches and techniques, her empathy and her ability to clearly connect with each of her clients. She is flexible in her approach, and partners with you to improve your health and life. I can honestly say that my health, coordination and enjoyment of life are better for having known and worked with Connie all these years.

When I first started seeing Dr. Connie Amundson, I had been abused by the medical system, being told that I had incurable conditions that could only be treated with large numbers of prescription drugs. However, the treatments I was getting from traditional medicine only made my conditions worse. I had lost a lot of hope, but was still determined to find alternative solutions.

Working with Dr. Connie has changed my life in so many ways. I have hope once more, and I am able to do things I thought I would never be able to do again. The work with Connie helped me to get my spirit back. I feel like the improvements made have gone beyond physical changes, to also include spiritual and emotional growth. People have said that they can see a change in me, my eyes are alive again.

I now have a much healthier lifestyle and have seen a great deal of improvement in my pre-existing conditions. I know that I still have more growth ahead of me, but I feel the work has enabled me to make healthier choices in all aspects of my life.

One of the highest compliments that I can give to Connie is that she truly has the spirit of a caregiver. As a client of Connie's, I have felt nothing but compassion and caring from her as a practitioner. After being treated horribly by many practitioners in the healing professions, it was truly a gift to have the chance to work with Connie. She never blamed the person in pain for their circumstances and always encouraged the client to see healing as a process. She invests in her clients, and that compassion show in her work, and I for one have definitely been able to reap the benefits.

About Me

I've been a chiropractor in Seattle, Washington, for over 25 years. During that time I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the wellness needs of thousands of patients, as we have grown and explored the possibilities of optimum wellness together.
It is my patients who lead me to continually expand what hands-on work can accomplish for all levels of body, mind and spirit.
As a complement to my chiropractic practice, I recommend and promote health products that I find to meet high standards of quality and value.
My outside interests range from eating organic, local food to creating works of ritual theater, from downhill skiing to going to the movies, and from walking with friends to Sunday morning coffee/tea with John and a newspaper.
I grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, ventured to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Lincoln, Nebraska, and New York, New York before settling in Seattle with my husband, John Kanetomi. We have two sons, ages 23 and 18; the older teaches Aikido with John, and the younger attends the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.